False memories are fantasies -- often therapy induced -- masquerading as memories that seem very real to the person who has such recollections.
They often involves accusations and allegations of incest,
Satanic Ritual Abuse, or
cult involvement.
The concept of False Memory Syndrome is not recognized as an official mental health diagnosis, but the principle that memories can be fabricated, distorted or misinterpreted (i.e.
confabulation) or altered by outside influences is overwhelmingly accepted by scientists.
Elizabeth Loftus is a cognitive psychologist and a foremost expert on human memory -- particularly false memory:
Christian Therapist Beware of False Memory Syndrome by Chaplain Paul G. Durbin, Diretor of Pastoral Care. Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital. New Orleans, La.
Controversy is a constant for memory researcher Elizabeth Loftus The Orange County Register, Nov. 3, 2002. See also
Elizabeth Loftus
Recovered Memories and the Holocaust by Mark Pendergrast, writing about
"Binjamin Wilkomirski"
Recovered Memory Therapy and False Memory Syndrome (CONTRA) by John Hochman, M.D. Article from Skeptic Magazine
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» Religion News Blog RNB logs current and archived news about religious cults, sects, alternative religions and related issues.
Database of archived news items on brainwashing
(Includes items added between Oct. 25, 1999 and Jan. 31, 2002. See
about this database)
» For newer items, see
Religion News Blog
Older items:
(Sep. 3, 1999)
Jury finds therapist negligent in repressed-memory lawsuit
(Sep. 3, 1999)
Psychiatrist found negligent in repressed-memory case
(May 14, 1999)
Fed. Court Doesn't Buy Into Plaintiff's Repressed Memory Claim
(May 11, 1999)
Recovered memory theory derided as `junk science'
(Oct. 7, 1998)
Psychiatrist loses bid to dismiss false-memory case
(Oct. 6, 1998)
Ex-patient tells of earlier cult memories
(Sep. 29, 1998)
Ex-patient tells of bid to save son after cult diagnosis by therapists